Understanding and Responding to the Larger Societal Context

Society is constantly changing. We have to be not only cognizant of the changes happening, but poised to respond to those changes. As technology moves along at an incredible pace, our schools have to be trying to predict an uncertain future and prepare students to be ready for whatever that future holds.

Parents’ expectations are changing but at the same time, many parents are expecting school to look exactly like school they attended. We would be remiss to exclude the opportunity we have to educate the parents about what current educational practice looks like.

I felt I have met the criteria by doing the following:

I consciously work to give students an opportunity to use technology in a safe and meaningful way. Teachers are encouraged to use and model proper technology use.

Work with Early Childhood Services to coordinate start up of the new HeadStart program in Legal.

I am currently working to institute a breakfast program with grant money provided to our school. That program, combined with our Hot Lunch program requires involvement from staff and parents to ensure that students have access to food within our school if they come without lunch, breakfast or snacks.

Undertaking the Leader in Me Program has meant coordinating training, implementation, and parent/community involvement. We have worked to have community leaders present and visible at the monthly assemblies. Community Members often present how their roles involve leadership and lessons they would like to pass on.

Work with the town of Bon Accord to meet the requirements of the joint-use agreement.

I serve on the ATA Provincial Curriculum Committee as one of six provincial Teacher representatives. This committee examines changes to curriculum, assessment and program of studies. The committee also advises Alberta Learning on up and coming curriculum changes.

I believe in constant growth and research around what other schools and leaders are doing to respond to what is changing in our society and with our students.

The importance of the future mindset is evident in the work of a number of educational leaders. The video link below is just one of many that points to the kind of thinking that needs to be in place.

There are a lot of resources to help spur thinking about the Greater Societal Context. I consider myself to be a Connected Principal, so have had opportunity to listen, read from, discuss and learn from a great group of individuals.